MU vs Arsenal Prediction: Gunners wreak havoc on Old Trafford

Once the dominant force in English football, MU had a terrible 2024/25 domestic season, finishing 15th. Meanwhile, the Gunners are also fed up with the nickname "king of second place".

Thanks to the backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ruben Amorim's seat is secure. He is also given more than £200 million to reform the attack, with a brand new trident Cunha - Sesko - Mbeumo.

assets_goal_com Sesko vs Gyokeres.jpg — Sesko will "fight" with Gyokeres - Photo: Goal

The fact that captain Bruno Fernandes refused Saudi Arabia's "sack of money" and many stars still want to join MU even though they don't participate in the European Cup shows that the club's position is still very high.

Amorim and his team tried to restore the Red Empire, sticking to the 3-4-2-1 philosophy. They had an impressive preparation process, going undefeated in 5 summer friendlies and winning the Premier League Summer Series in the US.

However, the Red Devils still have many problems, especially in midfield and goalkeeper positions. Andre Onana is injured and lacks ball sense but can still start in goal today.

Bruno Fernandes will be pulled back to play alongside veteran Casemiro. Both are experienced, but lack mobility and have relatively limited ability to escape pressing.

Against a physically strong opponent like Arsenal, MU is likely to be at a disadvantage in the midfield. New signing Zubimendi will bring control and composure in attacking situations.

The Gunners' inherent weakness over the past three seasons has been finishing in open play. Coach Arteta hopes this will improve, with the appearance of "goal machine" Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres is expected to solve the problem of scoring goals for Arsenal - Photo: AFC

The Swedish striker has been dominating the Portuguese league with 68 goals in the last two seasons and will have a chance to shine on the big stage of the Premier League, where he failed in his youth.

Even if Gyokeres has not yet integrated, Arsenal still knows how to score at Old Trafford. In their last 11 away trips to the "theater", they have torn the Red Devils' net 14 times.

Supercomputer Opta predicts the Gunners will storm Old Trafford and bring home the first 3 points of the 2025/26 season.

Asian ratio: Arsenal handicap draw (1/2: 0) - TX: 2 1/2

Prediction: Arsenal win 2-1

Force information

MU : Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez are being treated for injuries. Andre Onana, Zirkzee and new player Sesko are ready for battle.

Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus is the only absentee.

Expected lineup

MU: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko.

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Match schedule
Round 1
08/17/2025 20:00:00	Nottingham Forest - Brentford
08/17/2025 20:00:00	Chelsea - Crystal Palace
08/17/2025 22:30:00	Manchester United - Arsenal
08/19/2025 02:00:00	Leeds - Everton